Rivalry with Rewards: Sequoyah, Creekview Clash for Playoff Position and Region Glory

Scouting the Grizzlies

The Creekview Grizzlies punched their playoff ticket last week with a win over River Ridge, powered by a dominant ground attack that produced 264 rushing yards. On the season, Creekview has leaned on the ground game, averaging 192.3 rushing yards and 109.3 passing yards per game. Carson Lott leads the team in rushing with 615 yards and five touchdowns, while dual-threat quarterback Alex Penrod has accounted for 1,082 total yards and 13 touchdowns in just six games. Travis Vines adds another layer to the backfield with 305 rushing yards and three scores. Through the air, Jackson Shirley has been the top target, catching 23 passes for 370 yards and five touchdowns.

Defensively, Creekview is allowing 21.6 points per game, led by Austin Penrod’s 79 total tackles and Landon Parker’s43 solo stops. Carter Cundy and Mason Munn have been disruptive up front, combining for 23 tackles for loss, while J.D. Russell anchors the secondary with multiple interceptions. The Grizzlies average 23.5 points per game, but their ability to control tempo and limit mistakes has been key to their success.

Scouting the Chiefs

The Sequoyah Chiefs, meanwhile, are playing their best football of the season. Winners of four straight, they’re coming off a season-high 70-point outburst, and their 43.8 points per game average is the highest in school history. The Chiefs have been dominant early in games, outscoring opponents 255–68 in the first half this year.

Senior running back Will Rajecki has been the heartbeat of the offense, rushing for 1,283 yards and 20 touchdowns, while also contributing 220 receiving yards and two scores. Quarterback Kolby Martin has been sharp and efficient, throwing for 1,460 yards and 16 touchdowns with just two interceptions in 132 attempts.

On defense, Drew Williamsleads with 111 total tackles, including 71 solo, and shares the team lead in sacks (6) with Michael Fountain. Brooks Darling has been a ballhawk in the secondary with five interceptions, helping the Chiefs allow just 12.4 points per game and post three shutouts.

Keys to the Game

For Creekview:

• Control the Clock: Sustaining long drives behind Lott and Penrod will be key to keeping Sequoyah’s explosive offense on the sidelines.

• Contain Rajecki: Slowing down the Chiefs’ star back is easier said than done, but limiting his chunk plays will keep Creekview in striking distance.

• Win in the Trenches: The Grizzlies’ offensive and defensive fronts must set the tone early to have a chance at the upset.

For Sequoyah:

• Start Fast, Stay Focused: The Chiefs have made a habit of jumping out to big leads; maintaining that energy into the second half will be crucial.

• Keep Penrod Contained: Creekview’s quarterback can extend plays with his legs — keeping him in the pocket is a must.

• Ride Rajecki’s Momentum: Sequoyah’s offense runs through its senior star; if he’s rolling, it opens everything else up.

Pundit's Pick

There’s more than bragging rights on the line in the annual Battle of East Cherokee. Both the Sequoyah Chiefs and Creekview Grizzlies have already clinched playoff berths, but this week’s showdown carries major postseason implications. For Creekview, a win could mean a home playoff game — and possibly their first region title since 2018. For Sequoyah, victory would seal the program’s first region championship in more than two decades.

This one has all the ingredients of a classic rivalry game — playoff positioning, pride, and a championship within reach. Expect a physical, emotional contest from start to finish, but the Chiefs’ offensive firepower and defensive consistency might prove too much.

Prediction: Sequoyah by 15.